Curated by Urban Elephant
Beyond the Front Door
What we send guests out to see, eat, and explore: the Cape Town we'd recommend to a friend.
From the host
Cape Town gives you more than somewhere to stay. The mountain, the harbour, the streets that change neighbourhood every two blocks. We've been here long enough to know where to send guests, and what to skip.
This is our short list: three views every guest should see at least once, and three places we'd recommend to a friend for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. None of them pay us to be here.
Niles
Founder & Chief Elephant Wrangler
Cape Town Icons
Three views you shouldn't miss.
The mountain, the harbour, the streets that change neighbourhood every two blocks. Start here.
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town's working harbour and the most-visited destination in South Africa: shops, restaurants, and the original Robben Island ferry, all along the water.
Host's note
“Go at golden hour. Stay on the harbour wall for sunset.”
Table Mountain
A New 7 Wonder of Nature and the city's defining landmark. Take the cableway up, or hike Platteklip if your knees can take it.
Host's note
“Catch the first cable car at 8am: beat the wind, beat the queue.”
Bo-Kaap
The colourful, cobble-stoned heart of Cape Malay culture: vibrant houses, warm hospitality and centuries of history, a short walk from our CBD properties.
Host's note
“Sunday morning, after a coffee. Bring a camera; you'll need it.”
Where We Eat
Where we'd send a friend.
A short list of three places: one for breakfast, one for lunch, one for dinner. None of them pay us to be here.
Vixi Social House
A modern social-dining concept in De Waterkant: creative small plates, craft cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere most nights of the week.
A gift from us
Free welcome drink with any meal. We hand you a voucher when you arrive.
Host's note
“Go for the small plates. Stay for the music.”
Mulino
Breakfast on Bree Street, two doors from the morning: pastries from the counter, a proper espresso, and an industrial-chic room with green velvet chairs. Breakfast is served daily until 11:30.
A gift from us
Free coffee with breakfast. We hand you a voucher when you arrive.
Host's note
“Order from the counter and sit by the folding doors. Go before 11:30. Breakfast ends then.”
Belthazar
Award-winning V&A Waterfront steakhouse and wine bar, with a 600-strong wine list and unobstructed harbour views.
Host's note
“The wine list runs 600 bottles deep. Trust the sommelier.”